Invisible Weaver

[Rudie]

Just to show you what an invisible weaver can do. I had this 1930s suit with a pretty large moth hole right on the front of the right thigh. About 5mm². Unfortunately I forgot to take pictures before I gave it to the invisible weaver. But I think you can get the idea.

In the center of the picture you can see the slight irregularity where the hole was mended. If you don't know what you're looking for, you're hard pressed to even notice it.

And here's the mended area seen with the fabric turned inside out.

The price was hefty (€80.00) but well worth it, as it saved my suit. And I am amazed at the skill level the invisible weaver has shown.

 

[Baron Kurtz]

Yes, they are brilliant, those guys. €80 isn't too bad. My guy charges £45 per hole, with a hole being 3mm. Any bigger, that a "double hole" and is charged at £90.

they really do work wonders.

bk

 

[Rudie]

The more I look at it the more it amazes me . This wasn't an easy job with the different structures in the fabric and the pinstripes.

 

[birkie]

That is fantastic workmanship! I remember reading something the other day that claimed that most skilled re-weavers are over 60, and that the trade will likely disappear due to a lack of interest among younger generations in obtaining these skills. Has anybody else heard this, or have reason to believe it?

 

[Marc Chevalier]

I remember reading something the other day that claimed that most skilled re-weavers are over 60, and that the trade will likely disappear due to a lack of interest among younger generations in obtaining these skills. Has anybody else heard this, or have reason to believe it?

It's true ... and not only in the U.S.A.


In Santiago, Chile, "El Zurcidor Japones" ("The Japanese Re-weaver") --which has been a family business there since 1915-- will almost certainly close by the end of the decade. The reason? All of its superb re-weavers are over 70 years old, and are dying off with no replacements.


Re-weaving is very difficult, time-consuming work, and hell on the eyes and hands. Its practitioners end up wearing very thick glasses.

 

[Mario]

Very nice work! Is that the shop at the Skalitzer Str.?

 

[Rudie]

Yep. It took forever, but in the end it turned out to be an outstanding job.

 

[Flat Foot Floey]

 

[cookie]

It's true ... and not only in the U.S.A.


In Santiago, Chile, "El Zurcidor Japones" ("The Japanese Re-weaver") --which has been a family business there since 1915-- will almost certainly close by the end of the decade. The reason? All of its superb re-weavers are over 70 years old, and are dying off with no replacements.


Re-weaving is very difficult, time-consuming work, and hell on the eyes and hands. Its practitioners end up wearing very thick glasses.

Muy triste! I remember you and talking about this famous place years ago.

 

[birkie]

It is quite sad that the craft is facing the risk of dying off. If I knew anybody locally who had that talent, it would be a great skill to learn, or at least get an understanding of the basic theory and practice.

 

[filfoster]

This art is as close to real world magic as there is. Sadly there are so few left in my city. They have died out: Ernie and then Nora Scherer of A-1 Miracle weavers, for example.

One place here in town, Trotta's, can place the work and it's good (and expensive, of course), but so few options now.

"French weave" is as sexy as French...whatever.

 

[Mario]

See some invisible weaving in action:

http://www.withoutatrace.com/reweaving.html